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Summit of Mt. Tamalpais Loop

Mill Valley, California

5.0/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

1.15 miles

Elevation Gain

394 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Sothear Nuon

This easy 1.2 mile loop sets you up for amazing sunset viewing and scenic landscape photography close to San Francisco. At Mt. Tam's highest peak, you'll be just above the clouds as they roll in. 

Mt. Tam is a large park with plenty of amazing viewpoints, but the East routes and the East Peak are best for sunsets. Once you're at the top, it's an amazing spot to view a large number of Marin trails, which can help you can get a head start on planning your next adventure. At 2,570 feet, this is the highest point on Mount Tamalpais. The good news is that the path to get there is pretty easy and partially paved. Due to the short distance of the Plankwalk Trail, it's usually more scenic and a little more fun to do the Verna Dunshee loop first.

As you start the Dunshee trail, you'll notice that's there are two options at the start. There's a switchback path or a set of stairs to get you going on the trail. Choose whichever you're more comfortable with. Along the trail, enjoy the views of Northern Marin, San Francisco, and the East Bay. After about 0.6 miles, this trail will come full circle at the parking lot and allow you to head uphill and jump onto the Plankwalk.

After roughly a quarter of a mile, you'll reach the summit and fire lookout. From here, spend as much time as you'd like and then head back to the car the way you came.

If you're riding or hiking all the way up, it can be a bit of a grind to get to the peak, but it's definitely worth it once you catch the sunset. If you choose to ride, you can head up E. Ridgecrest Blvd from Pan Toll Road. If you're hiking, jump on the Matt Davis Trail to the Nora Trail to Old Railroad Grade, finally heading up on Fern Creek Trail to the East Peak parking area.

If it's a nice day and you want to eat outside, you can head to the Mountain Home Inn for a burger and a beer. Just as a disclaimer, it is a little pricey.

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Summit of Mt. Tamalpais Loop Reviews

This is an easy trek and extremely rewarding. Highly recommend!

One of my favorite hikes in the Bay Area! I love summits and while the area has some stunning hills, you don’t really have that many tall mountains to scale. This was amazing and the view at the top was perfect.

We arrived not really knowing what to expect, and were pleasantly surprised with a nice, simple hike leading to some gorgeous views of the city and the bay. If you're in the Headlands, I would definitely suggest you do this hike!

I love that you can come here and be greeted to a variety of views. Whether it's views of the water in the distance, low fog hanging around the hills, or the curvy roads that photographers just can't get enough of, it's a beautiful spot that's only about a 1.5 hour drive from the city. Check out Super Duper burgers on the way back.

We can't get enough of these trails! This loop is wonderful for families with kids in tow, along with incredible photography opportunities as you mention. =) Love it!

Truly one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever taken. Started from Muir Woods and ended at the top of Mount Tam, but there are several other routes (shorter/longer, depending on your preference) you can take to get there. Highly recommend!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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